Shirley Rae Hudson, 1945 – 2009

Shirley Rae Hudson, April 26, 1945 to August 4, 2009

Shirley died too young, but lived life to the fullest. Shirley died from pneumonia. Shirley was 64. Children, Bradley, Rebecca, and Benjamin survive Shirley, along with Brother David and Mother Aileen

Shirley had a difficult childhood, but she had a rescuer of her Grandmother who stepped in along with a warm and caring young Aunt Melba. Shirley mostly grew up in Oakland California except for early childhood and High School type boarding school.

Shirley received a degree in nursing from UC Berkley. Shirley put herself through school working as a Bay Bomber in San Francisco and at Montgomery Wards in Oakland catalog department using roller skate skills to pickup the merchandise from bin to shipping.

Shirley moved to Burbank where she managed accounting at an import/export company then alternating as paymaster to nurse, as one job would burn out the happiness she so loved to experience. Shirley worked from Hospital to Hollywood film industry. It was in the accounting department Shirley met her first Partner, then husband David and father of her 3 children. They were married for 17 years; during that time Shirley had special interest that she put to use remodeling the upstairs of their home from attic to 3 bedrooms and using and making her new flooring from the Star Wars Set floor.

Shirley then divorced and entered into a lesbian relationship with Linda. They lived together with Shirley and Linda’s children and moved to the mountains. December 28,1992, Shirley and the 2 younger children in the car were driving down the mountain when they hit black ice and all were injured in a very serious accident. Shirley managed to stay awake until the children received medical attention and then went into coma; Shirley sustained life-threatening injuries and died several times. Shirley had broken 80% of her bones. Shirley was told she would not be able to walk. This was the life changer for Shirley.

Shirley persevered the hardship of loosing all material processions — Bank accounts property and all investments as medical bills mounted. With all lost and the 2 oldest children then able to fend for themselves, Shirley put the youngest child into boarding school, broke off partnership ties and concentrated on physical therapy. Shirley’s hands and legs did not work and she was still confined to a wheel chair. After 3 years she was able to walk and use her hands in normal fashion and moved to San Jose, where she attended college to gain her BA degree in Psychology and Women’s Studies.

Shirley had 2 more exclusive relationships with Barbara for 4 years and Phyllis for 1 year.

Shirley moved to Sacramento, bought a fixer-upper home and remained there until her passing.

Shirley was deeply devoted to her children, they were her life. Shirley was a nurse and loved all medical aspects. Shirley was a carpenter and wood worker, with these interests gave her great pleasure. Shirley was a seamstress with skills she learned from her Grandmother. Shirley was a cook and enjoyed eating good food. Shirley sang in a chorus that gave her joy. Above all, Shirley was a Mom. Shirley lived 20 years after that horrible accident and gave everyone that know her an extra piece of Shirley.